Potato Pak - 100% Biodegradable and Compostable plates, trays and bowls

This design of bait station was made for Connovation Ltd in East Tamaki, Auckland.  They are designed for possums.  Each cavity has a cyanide pellet covered with a flavoured paste lure, so one tag can effectively eradicate three possums.  The tag has a warning label stuck to the back and is then stapled to a tree away from ground feeders. 

Being made out of potato starch and cellulose, the tags will biodegrade away if they have not been devoured by the possums.

 

Kiwi connection to green racing car.

Scientists at Plant & Food Research in New Zealand had a part in developing the world’s first racing car from sustainable and renewable resources.

Along with Blenheim-based company, Potatopak, the scientists made wing mirrors from potato starch for the Formula 3 vehicle that is made entirely from recycled or renewable materials.

Plant & Food Research biomaterials engineer, Nick Tucker says the opportunity came along when he was speaking at an international sustainable materials conference in England about his work on potato starch. A researcher from Warwick University spoke to Dr Tucker about a project to show that having fun, going fast and that excitement can be achieved in an environmentally conscious way. A racing enthusiast, Dr Tucker found it too good an opportunity to pass up.

Dr Tucker and his team was already working with Potatopak to improve water resistance in their biodegradable plates and cups and realised that the potato starch material they were working with - which is mouldable, and with a water proof coating is durable – would be good for the job.

Potatopak Chief Executive Richard Williams says that racing car project has similar objectives to his business in looking after the planet and its natural resources. “While it was a separate project, we recognise the innovation and impetus in developing design is of mutual benefit,” says Mr Williams.

The New Zealand scientists were assigned the wing-mirrors and have received positive feedback for the potato starch fairings around conventional mirrors. These weigh significantly less than standard wing-mirrors and recently the Plant & Food Research scientists were invited to provide a second, improved version.

The Formula 3 vehicle developed largely by a team at Warwick University is not eligible to race in the international series as it features so much new technology but it will appear at race meetings around the world in demonstration laps showing off its sustainable technology.

The green car is fuelled by a biodiesel (chocolate oil) and its materials are made from potatoes, carrots and soyabeans and recycled materials like carbon-fibre and glass/mirrors?

For more information

www.worldfirstracing.co.uk/

 

Congratulations are in order for Richard Williams as he has now joined the ranks of "101 Incredible Kiwi's" as an Eco-entrepreneur.

Due to extensive research and development funds being used  to make new products,  we would really appreciate donations  to help our cause .

Please send donations to:
Potatopak NZ, PO Box 746, Blenheim

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